Today I want to honour our daughter Shara Rose who released her first single globally last night. We call her our bounce back queen because no matter how many times life throws tough things at her she has this innate ability to be able to bounce back smiling. This past twelve months has seen her visit the emergency department 7 times, recover from double foot surgery, face some pain in relationships, start her own business and take the big step of following after her dream and recording her own music.

You can find her single by searching Shara Rose Rewind on all good music platforms or clicking on “Rewind”

Sometimes life gets a little rough but what stands out to me with Shara and other “bounce backers” I know is that they’ve discovered how to find the joy in life. I believe it’s this determination to look for and to immerse themselves in joyful things that has consistently helped them to process and then bounce back from whatever difficulty or disappointment they may have faced. That joy sometimes comes from really big things and sometimes just a small thing like a kind word or a helping hand. It can be experienced in having our favourite things to eat, having people over, watching a movie, getting outdoors and enjoying the scenery, having an adventure, or simply turning up the stereo really loud and dancing around the room whilst singing at the top of your lungs. We all would benefit from doing things that make us remember we are alive and that our heart is actually beating, instead of just going through the “hum drum” of everyday life.

Joy is powerful. It lifts our spirits and brings healing to our hearts, minds and bodies. It’s worth opening our hearts to it and honouring and seeking out. Counsellors advise one of the steps to help to alleviate the symptoms of depression is to ensure people do something everyday that they enjoy – just because!

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”(Proverbs 17:22)

God actually made us wired for joy and gave each of us an immense capacity for love and joyfulness. He is a happy God, who overflows our “cup” if we will allow Him to. Often what steals our lightheartedness, and sense of fun and joy is that we are trying to live independent from God, and doing things in our own strength and wisdom. We can allow the world and it’s cares and concerns to crowd out the promises of God, believing the negative voices instead of what He says. Even when really difficult times of loss and heartache may happen, God promises He will be there for us and that He’ll pour His strength, joy and a peace that goes beyond human understanding into our lives.

“The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Don’t take the gift that God’s joy is for granted. It is in both the great moments of our lives and the hard ones, that it has it’s vital role. It adds to every good moment and helps us through the toughest times so that we too can bounce back.

Lighten your load today and any joy stealers in your life and give your cares and concerns to Jesus. He cares for you and promises that He will turn your mourning into dancing and your sorrow into joy.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy”. (Psalm 30:11)

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared…Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”(Nehemiah 8:10)

Prayer: Lord thank you that even when I face difficulties you are my joy and in you I find my strength. Please help me to remember to look for the joy in things and to keep moving forward. Thank you that today I’m bouncing back. In Jesus name amen